Why I'm a Teacher

Sometimes in the midst of the craziness of teaching I wonder why I decided to do this. I often reflect on other jobs I've had in life and other careers I've considered and wonder if I have made the best choice. Well as I was grading my kids' Writing Journals this weekend I was reminded of why I wanted to become a teacher. This is the entry from one of my students.

My Teacher Miss Stephens
Miss Stephens makes me so happy and proud of myself. I love doing stuff with her like reading and getting help with answers on my test.

Yes, it was a short entry, but just what I needed as I had spent hours grading papers and needed some encouragement. I often wonder if my students are feeling helped and cared for. With 27 kids in my class it is hard to devote time and attention to each one. At least one of them feels cared for :) My prayer is that I will find ways to uniquely care for each one of my students.

Encouraged

So I know my last post was me venting a little bit and I felt that it would be good to share the good things happening in life as well. Thursday and Friday were better days at school. I did have to write a referral for a fight, and call a parent during the middle of class when one of my students was being defiant (although the child refused to come to the phone to speak with mom). But aside from those two incidents I enjoyed work the past couple of days! I got a new student on Thursday, and from what I can tell so far he seems like a wonderful student, and a great addition to our class. I did all of my planning on Thursday and Friday for next week, and the only thing I brought home with me this weekend are papers to grade. If I can get caught up on my grades I will feel much better! Thanks for those who have been praying for me and my class. I have been encouraged by so many dear friends and it is great to know that I have people who are supporting me. God is definitely teaching me that I have to lean on Him and not on my own abilities.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Exhausted

Life is ridiculously busy and it is beginning to wear on me. I work about 60-70 hours per week and my mind never really stops thinking about school. I stress about not being prepared enough, not returning all of the parent calls, notes, and emails from the day, not covering all that I wanted to, having to get after my kids, having to do it all again tomorrow. I need a break. It’s the 6^th week of school and I am completely exhausted. I don’t know if it will get better. Sometimes I think that it will, and sometimes I think about the pile of things on my desk that keeps growing, and I wonder how it will get better.

Support raising is slow. I am dragging my feet I suppose. I want to raise support and share about Uganda, but I don’t want to ask for money. I have contacted some churches, made plans to speak at my community group, and purchased a plane ticket to Orlando to raise support there in December. 

Today I was able to speak with one of my Uganda teammates and it was very encouraging. She feels the same way I do in many ways. It is hard living in the moment God has me in now when I really long to be somewhere else. Time certainly has a way of getting away from me. This is exciting in some ways as I look forward to next year, and scary when I think about all that I should be doing now. Sigh…

Welcome to Room 9

I haven't been great about taking pictures, but my kids have! All of the kids have jobs each week and one of the jobs is photographer and one is scrapbooker. The photographer takes pictures all week and then on Friday, and over the weekend, my scrapbooker makes a few pages to add to our class book. These are a few pictures that have been taken by the kids.

Amazing Interactive White Board :)

Kiddos desks

Our Friends & Family board which needs more pictures!

Our board to "Get to know each other"

I am loving my job. Even on the "tough days" there are moments that make me laugh. I am finally getting into the groove of things a little bit. Everything is still overwhelming and I can't get it all done, but I'm just realizing that that's how I'll always feel and it's ok! :)